Citing a Video: A Chicago Style Saga
So, you've made it through the labyrinth of academic writing and now you're staring down the barrel of a video citation? Fear not, intrepid researcher! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the wilds of Chicago style, armed with nothing but wit and a desperate desire to avoid footnotes.
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| How Do You Cite A Video Chicago |
The Basics: It's Not Rocket Science (But It Might Feel Like It)
Let's start with the fundamentals. In the magical realm of Chicago style, citing a video is actually simpler than wrangling a cat into a bathtub. Here's the basic formula:
- Author's last name, first name. "Title of Video." Date filmed or posted. Sponsoring body. Video length. URL.
Example: Doe, John. "Cats in Bathtubs: A How-To Guide." 2023. YouTube. 3:12. [invalid URL removed]
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
The Nitty Gritty: When Things Get Complicated
Now, let's get real. Not all videos are created equal. Some are short, sweet, and to the point. Others are like a never-ending soap opera, filled with drama, suspense, and way too many characters.
- Streaming videos from websites (like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.): Follow the basic formula above.
- Longer videos (like documentaries or movies): Treat them like a film and include the director, release date, and distributor.
- Music videos: Include the director, release date, and length.
The Fine Print: Don't Forget the Footnotes!
While we're trying to avoid footnotes like the plague, sometimes they're necessary. If you're citing a specific part of a video, or if the video is particularly important to your argument, a footnote might be in order.
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Example: For a specific timestamp, you might write:Doe, "Cats in Bathtubs," 1:37.
Common Mistakes: Avoid These Pitfalls
- Forgetting the URL: It's like giving directions without mentioning the street name.
- Not including the date: This is like saying you watched a video, but you can't remember when.
- Overlooking the length: It's the video equivalent of forgetting to mention the page number.
How To Questions: Quick Answers
How to cite a YouTube video in Chicago style? Follow the basic formula: Author, "Title," Date, YouTube, Length, URL.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
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How to cite a streaming video in Chicago style? Same as a YouTube video, but replace YouTube with the platform.
How to cite a documentary in Chicago style? Treat it like a film, including director, release date, and distributor.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
How to cite a music video in Chicago style? Include director, release date, and length.
How to cite a specific part of a video in Chicago style? Use a footnote with the timestamp.
Remember, citing a video might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be a citation pro in no time. And if all else fails, there's always the option of hiring a professional citation service (just kidding... kind of).
Happy citing!
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